Each day in November—leading up to the winter meetings—Sporting News will analyze the offseason to-do list of a major league team. Today: the Washington Nationals.

Their season ended with a major disappointment, but one look at the future should cheer up the Washington Nationals. They finished with the majors’ best record in 2012 and are virtually certain of being better in 2013, barring catastrophic injuries. They won’t have the Stephen Strasburg shutdown hanging over them, they won’t have to wonder when Bryce Harper will arrive and, most important, their young players will have gained the experience of playing in the postseason. Well, all except Strasburg, that is.

OFFSEASON AGENDA

The Nationals have to figure out what to do at first base, one outfield position and the fifth starter spot. And, perhaps, tweak the bullpen. None of their holes should be that difficult to fill, though.

Losing Gold Glove-winning first baseman Adam LaRoche would hurt the defense, but the offense should be able to overcome the loss of his 33 homers. Moving Mike Morse from left field to first and pursuing a free-agent outfielder could make the offense even more productive. Free agent Michael Bourn long has been considered a good fit in D.C. partly because he is represented by Scott Boras, as are numerous Nationals. Even if Washington fails to land a free-agent outfielder, it could opt for a platoon of Roger Bernadina and up-and-comer Tyler Moore in left.

Catcher is another position worth watching. Washington traded for Kurt Suzuki in early August, and he exceeded expectations. If Wilson Ramos reports to camp fully recovered from season-ending knee surgery, the Nationals will have two catchers capable of starting. They also will have Jesus Flores, once considered the franchise’s top backstop.

The rest of the lineup is stocked with All-Star types at third base, shortstop, second base, right field and center field. A rotation led by Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann needs nothing but a boost at the back end. Ross Detwiler has the inside track on the fourth spot, and the Nationals could make John Lannan the No. 5 starter if they don’t bring in an innings-eating veteran who isn’t looking for a long-term deal.

Even the bench already is in strong shape with the return of veteran Chad Tracy and the presence of 24-year-old Steve Lombardozzi, who would be considered a capable starter for many clubs.

POSSIBLE DEPARTURES

LaRoche is coming off a career year and probably has priced himself out of Washington. Righthander Edwin Jackson has dumped Boras with the hope of landing more than a one-year deal, but it isn’t likely to come from the Nationals. Relievers Sean Burnett and Mike Gonzalez also are free agents but are talking with the club about returning.

Journeymen pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Zach Duke figure to move on. For all that Mark DeRosa brought to the clubhouse, the infielder/outfielder hit only .188 and is facing the end of his playing days.

EARLY 2013 OUTLOOK

The Nationals surprised many in 2012 when they moved into first place on May 22 and stayed there the rest of the season. In 2013, the surprise will be if they don’t spend most of the season atop the NL East.